C.O.A.S.T
Welcome overcomer.
When grim “Ouch!” stuff arrives out of the blue, it’s easy to get discouraged, yet bad things can be very good for us.
Oddly,
After we calm down, we can discover life is way better after our wake up call and initial shock is over.
Permanent transformation for good often follows.
For example,
Too many times I got flagged for speeding (oops!)…
So after being nabbed, I had to attend a live ‘retraining’ class to amend my lax driving behaviours.
I wasn’t looking forward to it.
However,
That at all changed once class began. There we were all faced up with what we had done, yet after feeling appropriate remorse…
We were taught a brand new way to approach our driving.
It is called C.O.A.S.T
First we spent the morning learning.
Then the instructors had us jump into their cars while they sat next to us... as we drove around nearby towns and countryside.
All the while,
They kept correcting, helping us to apply what we'd learned in the morning.
It was outstanding training!
And thankfully,
My driving has changed beyond all recognition since the instructors got hold of me ;)
They were great.
Thing is,
After a few years of driving well (and using C.O.A.S.T to keep me right) I realised this formula isn’t just very useful in permanently reframing driving... you could run life through it too.
It helps you manage, well, dang near everything :)
Here’s what C.O.A.S.T stands for…
C = CONCENTRATE (on your driving).
O = OBSERVE (observe the road before you and up ahead in the distance too).
A = ANTICIPATE (things which might happen - child steps into your path etc).
S = SPACE (give yourself space so you don’t get stuck behind someone).
T = TIME (give yourself plenty of time to get somewhere).
For example…
CONCENTRATE:
First thing in the morning when you pray. Don’t dither about.
Focus.
Concentrate and get quiet until you hear the ‘still small voice of the LORD’. Then you won’t miss it. It’s a still small voice… it’s easily missed, so… concentrate.
Concentrate on your work. When your boss speaks to you.
On your conversation with your friend… concentrate.
Next…
OBSERVE:
Through your day. Keep vigilant.
Watch what’s going on.
Observe any changes in your colleagues…
Did they give away subtle changes in their attitude to you at work?
Is the enemy wishing to use them to influence the boss to edge you out?
If so, by spotting what’s going on, you can intervene by prayer and spoil the enemies plans against you.
By doing so, you end up being the one with favour… not them!
You get promotion.
Remember ‘promotion comes from the LORD’ (Psalm 75:6-7 AKJV) So ask for it in prayer. Concentrate, watching for the instructions the LORD sends you which will promote you.
Do them and OBSERVE what’s going on beneath your nose.
Because,
If you don’t observe, God may open a door, yet you don’t see it because you are not alert.
ANTICIPATE:
Next anticipate what’s likely to happen.
I’m not talking about becoming a basket case neurotic... imagining all sorts of nonsense against you by others.
No, I’m talking a healthy running of ‘what if’ scenarios.
Both for good and also for not so good situations.
For example when looking at your calendar. See what’s lined up and anticipate any stress points or opportunities in advance.
Or, being watchful…
Anticipate when the old enemy might make his moves against you. Watch for patterns of behaviours… e.g. Staying up late = tired = moody, angry = fall out with everyone… hit the pub to drown my sorrows… fight on the way home :)
You get the idea!
Why do this anticipating though?
First of course...
You can pray.
Then the Holy Spirit will show you what to do ahead of time.
Which bring me to the last two points…
SPACE:
I love this one.
So simple.
Yet massively helpful (for me anyway).
GIVE YOURSELF SPACE…
For instance when sitting in traffic behind a line of cars… the instructor told us to be sure you can see the tires of the car in front.
Doing so gives you space to manoeuvre if they stall or roll back on you.
Space to act.
To get out of tight spots.
So.
In life terms now I try to factor space in whatever I do.
Why?
It don’t get boxed into tight spots.
And because time management is not easy for me.
Cramming my diary full, I'd always underestimate how long it takes me to do things. And end up, overwhelmed and juggling too many plates.
Now though...
Using COAST as a frame, I try to ‘give myself space’ …building it into my routines.
I add downtime slots between potentially busy or stressful periods in the diary.
Now I can think so much more clearly.
Having a little space built into each day...
Means I might enjoy a spot of quietness as a gift. Or daydream a little, yet still get everything done.
And on that point…
Did you know Albert Einstein would often ‘do nothing’ for days, even weeks at a time? When asked what he was up to ‘doing nothing’ he replied…
“I am thinking.”
Cool eh?
Give yourself SPACE.
Think space.
Your blood pressure will thank you for it.
Finally,
Our Einstein story hinted at this last point…
TIME:
I love this one too.
Give yourself time.
Book it in your calendar…
Time with GOD.
Time with YOU and no one else.
Time with your spouse, your family… friends and neighbours.
Yet what if you have no time?
Okay,
Reverse back to Concentrate and Observe again...
Focus and reflect on what you can cut out of your life.
Replace the junk you throw out with your newly found ‘extra time.’
Which gives you…
Time to learn.
Time to destroy the enemies work in your life.
Time to heal and enjoy life.
Remember there’s a time for everything.
Make sure time works for you.
Book yours in.
Calendar it all… including TIME OUT.
C.O.A.S.T can track and help you gauge all you’re doing on a daily, weekly, monthly basis.
Of course,
We saints have a massive advantage.
All because the Holy Spirit will help us implement such a helpful a tool into our lives.
Give it a bash.
COAST from now on ;)
You may just love what happens.
Bless you,
Dave.
Well said, Dave.